These questions and answers will help you pick the right hot tub for your lifestyle

Before you can find the right hot tub, you’ll need to know what you’re looking for and what your property can accommodate.(Photo: Courtesy Imagine Backyard Living)

Energy efficient and easy to maintain, modern hot tubs are a dream investment. From hydrotherapy to pleasant relaxation, hot water submersion is good for your physical and mental well-being. And with more options than ever — from sizes and jet layouts to automatic water purification systems — there’s a perfect tub for just about everybody. But with so many choices, the process can be intimidating, and walking into a store full of different brands and models might seem overwhelming.

Your soaking and hydro-therapy experience is the single most important reason to purchase your own hot tub, so it’s essential to invest in quality and pick the right one for you and your lifestyle. This short guide, complete with questions to ask yourself and your authorized dealer, will help you navigate the decision, and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying the incredible benefits of hot tub ownership.

Know your preferences and needs

Before you can find the right hot tub, you’ll need to know what you’re looking for and what your property can accommodate. First, ask yourself how many people will be using it. Is this a tub for you and your spouse, or is it something you plan to use with the whole family? Consider how you plan to use the tub. Do you want an all-around product for soaking, basic exercises, and hydro-massage, or would you prefer something targeted, like a swim spa? Keep in mind that lots of jets and high horsepower pumps don’t make for a good hydro-massage experience, and average-sized hot tubs are plenty big for basic exercise and yoga. Take advantage of your dealer’s expertise to find the best combination for you.

Once you have a general idea about the size and type of hot tub you want, it’s time to consider space and access. Already have a spot picked out? Great! Just check for delivery access. Quality hot tubs are big and heavy and you’ll need a relatively barrier free path from your front yard to the spot it will sit in your backyard. Hot tubs are normally delivered on their side on a cart with balloon tires. If you have access restrictions, cranes are inexpensive and used all of the time for delivery. Your dealer can help you understand access and will assist in making all of the delivery arrangements for you

Treat your hot tub purchase as an investment in your health and well-being by working with an experienced dealer to invest in the right hot tub for your lifestyle and your budget.(Photo: Courtesy Imagine Backyard Living)

Finding products you can trust

Treat your hot tub purchase as an investment in your health and well-being by working with an experienced dealer to invest in the right hot tub for your lifestyle and your budget.

The best hot tub salespeople bring experience and expertise that will help you sift through a sea of options and sketchy sales tactics. But how do you find a dealer you can trust? Quality hot tub dealers won’t try to distract you with the details of what’s “under the cabinet.” Instead, they’ll carry brands you can trust, and really listen to your preferences and needs. The best dealers will have their own service department with factory-trained and certified technicians.

Look for top brands such as Jacuzzi and Sundance. Because a hot tub is a long term investment, selecting a quality brand and dealer will make your hot tub ownership enjoyable for many years to come. Quality hot tubs provide energy cost information, meet Underwriters Laboratories’ rigorous safety and efficiency standards and when properly cared for, they’ll last you a decade or more. In addition, quality brands will have better insulation, which translates to an efficient performance and a quiet soaking experience.

Your soaking and hydro-therapy experience is the single most important reason to purchase your own hot tub, so it’s essential to invest in quality and pick the right one for you and your lifestyle.(Photo: Courtesy Imagine Backyard Living)

The details

To help your investment run smoothly, it’s also useful to address any logistical concerns while you’re shopping. Make sure you know what maintenance looks like for your specific tub, and that you have the products you’ll need. Unlike years past, most of today’s hot tubs are pretty easy to care for, and the better brands rely on automatic ultraviolet and low output ozone water purification systems and small amounts of chemical oxidizers to keep your water clean, clear and ready for soaking 24-7. Tip: Be aware of salt water systems as they might sound appealing, but they tend to be expensive, corrosive, and hard to maintain properly. The salt system ultimately makes chlorine in your hot tub and most only carry a 1 year warranty. It can cost over $700 to replace a salt cell.

Finally, quality dealers have brick and mortar locations with local ownership. They will have support staff you can meet and will offer quality brands you can trust. They will help you through every step of the way-from selecting the hot tub for you, helping arrange all of the details for a smooth and safe delivery and will be there for you if the need ever arises. As always, check reviews both on the dealer and the product.

To learn more about the hot tub that is right for you, visit Imagine Backyard Living and start enjoying the benefits of hydrotherapy.

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